5 Common Mistakes Foreign Drivers Make on the Test
· GaimenGo Team
Learn the most common mistakes that trip up foreign drivers and how to avoid them.
After analyzing thousands of practice attempts, we've identified the 5 most common mistakes foreign drivers make on the Gaimen Kirikae written test.
1. Confusing No-Stopping vs No-Parking The most common error. No-stopping (red X on blue) means you cannot stop at all. No-parking (single diagonal) means you can stop temporarily for passenger pickup/dropoff.
2. Priority at Unmarked Intersections In Japan, at an equal-width unmarked intersection without traffic signals, the vehicle coming from your LEFT has priority (左方優先 — left-side priority rule). You must yield to traffic approaching from your left. Many foreign drivers confuse this with right-hand priority rules from other countries — this is one of the most commonly failed questions.
3. Railroad Crossing Rules You must STOP before crossing railroad tracks — even if the barrier is up and no train is visible. Many drivers slow down but don't fully stop.
4. Yellow Light Means Stop In Japan, a yellow (amber) light means STOP if you can do so safely — not 'speed up to beat the red.'
5. Expressway Speed Limits The posted speed limit on expressways is the MAXIMUM, not a suggestion. However, driving significantly below the limit can also be a violation.